Have you done volunteer work for a charitable organization? You may find that helping others has also helped you and your tax bill.

Even if you received a tax refund in 2017, there are plenty of things that can cause your taxes to rise. Consider the following big tax law changes that could affect what you owe this year:

There are multiple situations where you need to find out what the IRS knows about you. It could be for the purpose of obtaining a loan, refinancing your house, or continuing your citizenship status. Possibly you are a few years behind on filing tax returns and need to know where to start. Or maybe you lost a return and simply need a copy for your personal records. Here are three items that will help you see what the IRS has on file for you:

Paycheck withholdings were adjusted by the IRS earlier this year as a result of major tax changes. While the IRS strives to make withholdings accurate, it's difficult to account for every situation.

While many people find estate planning important, those with small children may find it especially critical.

With all the major tax changes, it's more important than ever to make sure you're keeping the right records for tax purposes. Here are some tips.

If you have not already done so, now is the time to review your tax situation and make an estimated quarterly tax payment using Form 1040-ES. The third quarter due date is now here.

Before you decide to amend your tax return, ask yourself if it's necessary, especially if amending an error only saves you a few dollars.

Do you help out at your child's school? If you donate your time at school functions, donate books to the school library, or help assist the teaching staff, you may be able to save come tax time.

The time to organize your tax records is now. Waiting until the end of the year or, even worse, waiting until you are audited can lead to headaches. Here are some tips to get on top of your tax records.

Medical expenses are on the rise. According to the Milliman Medical Index, the average family of four on an employer-sponsored plan will spend $28,000 on healthcare in 2018 – a $1,000 increase from 2017. Below are some ways you can save tax dollars when paying those medical bills:

Summer is coming to a close and the back-to-school advertising blitz is underway. Hidden in some of those school expenses are tax deductions you can take advantage of. Here are some ways you can save:

As our students prepare to head back to school, many families face the difficult decision to save for retirement or use those funds to pay for their children’s college education. If you are facing that dilemma, here are some thoughts:

Picture this: For the past few years you've received your tax return and have had a small but nice refund. Now imagine your surprise, when next year, you are required to send in a fairly big check to settle your tax bill. Believe it or not, this message is almost as hard to deliver to a taxpayer as it is to hear it. Here are some situations to watch for that can increase your tax liability:

If you own a business, you know that you may accelerate the expensing of qualified capital purchases. This can be done within two special provisions in the tax code that were recently expanded:

Don't delay in renewing your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if it's set to expire at the end of 2018.

Stop procrastinating if you know you need to save more for retirement.

Luckily, saving money doesn't have to be hard work. In fact, many successful savers have found simple ways to cut spending and increase their savings. Here's how.

At the end of June, the IRS unveiled a new draft version of the 2018 Form 1040. This newly proposed postcard-sized 1040 form replaces the old 2017 1040, as well as forms 1040EZ and 1040A. While some in Washington are celebrating the design as a simpler way to file, a closer look may tell a different story.

New divorce laws to consider

The taxation of alimony for divorces signed after Dec. 31, 2018 will change drastically.

If you're changing employers, the first thing on your mind probably isn't taxes. But the actions you take now can make a big difference next April — and beyond.